Ravished By The Rival

Chapter 2. Kissed or Not Kissed

“Better don't jump outside your skin,” Brooke, Natalie's sister, said jokingly as she hugged her.

“Brooke, you gave me quite the scare” Natalie replied as she kissed her on the forehead.

Brooke looked for concern and asked “Why does your breath reek of alcohol? Have you been drinking? Is it work stress? Are you…”

Natalie cuts her off. “There is nothing to be worried about. It’s all other control”.

“I’m off to bed, but I doubt I will have any shut eyes”, Natalie added as she exited the bathroom.

Natalie smoothed her skirt nervously as she approached Max Black's sleek corner office for the first time as his new secretary. This sudden promotion had come as a total shock following the events of the previous night. She took a steadying breath and knocked.

"Come in," Max's smooth voice responded.

Natalie entered to find him casually reclining at his large metal desk, impeccably dressed as always.

"Ah, Natalie. Welcome." Max flashed her a brilliant smile that made her pulse quicken. "Settle in. I'll walk you through your new duties."

He guided her to an adjoining sitting area by the windows. Natalie perched uneasily on the stark leather couch as Max sat rather close. She tried to ignore his subtly intoxicating cologne.

"Now, I'll need you to handle my press inquiries and calendar," Max began. "Attend all meetings to take notes. Coordinate my business dinners and travel."

"Of course, sir." Natalie nodded professionally, despite her nerves at Max's sudden proximity after calling her in there alone. Even before what happened the previous night she had always found him oddly magnetic.

"Have you forgotten our name exceptions from yesterday? call me Max." His gaze lingered. "I also expect you to accompany me to company events and on select trips. As my right hand, you must be attuned to my...preferences."

Natalie felt her cheeks grow warm, but she managed to respond evenly. "I'm happy to fulfill all the duties required of me, si- Max."

"Wonderful." Max leaned closer, casually twirling a strand of her hair. The casual intimacy of the gesture startled Natalie. "I just know we'll thrive together, Natalie. I have a knack for discovering hidden talents."

His words sent a strange thrill down Natalie's spine. She quickly tried to refocus the conversation on safe logistics, but Max seemed intent on a more personal rapport.

Over the next few days, Natalie settled into her new role, learning to anticipate Max's needs. He didn’t mention or even act as though they already shared a kiss.

“My imagination got the better of me after having a lot of scotch coffee,” Natalie said to herself, convincing herself about the kiss.

Max’s fleeting touches and offhand compliments kept her constantly unbalanced, but she told herself he was just grooming his promising new secretary.

Late one night finalizing Max's trip, Natalie let out an exhausted yawn. He glanced up from his screen.

"You're working much too hard, my dear," Max said smoothly. "Come, sit for a moment."

Too tired to overthink, Natalie sank onto the couch. Max moved behind her and began massaging her shoulders. His strong hands both relaxed and electrified her.

"Doesn't that feel better?" he murmured. Natalie could only nod, eyes drifting closed. She knew she should stop this intimate moment, but couldn't form the words.

"You deserve to be...appreciated." Max's breath grazed her ear. Natalie's eyes flew open. She quickly jumped up, grabbing her papers in a fluster.

"I should go. Early day tomorrow." She rushed out, heart pounding. This job might be more complicated than she realized. Max's gaze burned into her back as she retreated down the dim hall.

Max's subtle advances continued whenever they were alone. Natalie found herself anticipating their charged encounters, even as warning bells sounded in her mind. She had landed in dangerous waters.

"Champagne, mademoiselle?" the attendant offered with a formal smile.

"Oh, yes please." Natalie took the crystal flute, sipping slowly as she settled into Max’s private jet.

Natalie gazed out the window nervously as the plane taxied down the runway. She couldn't believe she was jetting off to Paris for the weekend on a whim. Being Max's secretary came with unexpected perks.

Max lounged casually across from her, loosening his tie. "It's delightful to see you relaxing, Nat. You deserve to enjoy the finer things."

Natalie smoothed her dress self-consciously. "This is beyond anything I imagined. But won't people ask questions when we return?"

"Let them gossip." Max dripped nonchalantly. "An employer simply rewarding his most valued secretary."

The jet leveled out, the sun glinting off the Seine below. Max moved closer, refilling Natalie's glass. His cologne enveloped her senses.

"To an unforgettable weekend," he toasted, eyes sparkling. Natalie's heartbeat quickened as their glasses clinked. She reminded herself this was just a work trip. Strictly professional.

Max showed her to a lavish suite at the Plaza Athenee upon arrival. Natalie collapsed onto the plush king bed in awe. "This is unbelievable. I can't thank you enough, Mr. Black."

"Max." He reminded her again as he sat beside her. "The pleasure is all mine. Especially with such beauty to share it with."

Natalie's cheeks warmed at the casual endearment as he brushed back her hair. "You look exhausted from all your hard work. Why don't you rest up while I make dinner reservations?" Max suggested, squeezing her shoulder. "We have a big night ahead."

Natalie emerged from a decadent bubble bath to find a shimmering red cocktail dress laid out for her. She had just finished cinching the silk gown when Max appeared in a dapper suit.

"Exquisite," he admired. "Shall we?" He escorted her downstairs to a waiting Bentley.

Over dinner at L'Avenue, Max regaled her with amusing stories and kept her champagne glass full. His charisma was intoxicating; Natalie felt herself being drawn deeper into his orbit. Afterwards, they strolled along the Champs-Elysees. "Dance with me," Max implored suddenly, pulling Natalie close as accordion music swelled romantically.

She knew she should resist, but couldn't help melting into his embrace under the sparkling lights. The champagne had gone straight to her head. "What are you doing to me?" Natalie sighed, resting her head on his shoulder.

Max tilted her chin up, eyes molten. "I'm worshipping you, as you deserve." He brought his lips down on hers. The kiss obliterated all thought, sending lightning through Natalie's veins.

They broke apart at scattered applause from passersby. Natalie touched her tingling lips, dizzy. "We shouldn't have..."